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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even when the Cardinals run into each other Jurickson Profar Jersey , they can’t lose.Yadier Molina and Marcell Ozuna slugged two-run homers and St. Louis overcame a lack of communication in the outfield to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers ... moreLOS ANGELES (AP) — Even when the Cardinals run into each other Jurickson Profar Jersey , they can’t lose.Yadier Molina and Marcell Ozuna slugged two-run homers and St. Louis overcame a lack of communication in the outfield to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Tuesday night.The Cardinals improved to a major league-best 16-4 in August and moved atop the NL wild-card standings by a half-game over Milwaukee.They also climbed to 2 ½ games back of the NL Central-leading Cubs.“We’re cooking on all cylinders right now,” winning pitcher Luke Weaver (7-11) said. “We feel very confident about where we’re at. We’re kind of riding the wave right now and just bouncing off each other, keeping that positivity going.”The Cardinals have homered in 14 straight games. They won the opener 5-3 on consecutive ninth-inning homers by Jedd Gyorko and Matt Carpenter. This victory clinched their eighth consecutive series, equaling their longest streak since April 10-May 7, 2015.Jose Martinez tied it with an RBI single in the third. Molin... less

PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Angels got it exactly right when they selected Patrick Corbin in the second round of the 2009 draft.Corbin has become a two-time All-Star Clint Frazier Jersey , one on either side of a Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2014 se... morePHOENIX — The Los Angeles Angels got it exactly right when they selected Patrick Corbin in the second round of the 2009 draft.Corbin has become a two-time All-Star Clint Frazier Jersey , one on either side of a Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2014 season, and he has positioned himself to be one of the plums in the offseason free agent market.Finally, the Angels will get to see him for the first time in a major league setting.Article continues below ...Corbin (10-4) was traded to Arizona at the July 2010 deadline, and he will make his initial appearance against the Angels in the first game of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday at Chase Field. Right-hander Felix Pena (1-3) is to start for the Angels.Corbin was acquired by Arizona then-interim general manager Jerry Dipoto in package that included left-handers Joe Saunders and Tyler Skaggs in exchange for Dan Haren.Skaggs is back in the Angels’ rotation, Haren is back with the Diamondbacks as their pitching strategist, and Corbin is the one who got away.H... less

PHOENIX — After signing Zack Greinke in late 2015 Justin Verlander Jersey , the Arizona Diamondbacks made a trade designed to turn them into an instant contender. It did not work as intended, but Atlanta is not complaining. The Braves acquired Ender Incia... morePHOENIX — After signing Zack Greinke in late 2015 Justin Verlander Jersey , the Arizona Diamondbacks made a trade designed to turn them into an instant contender. It did not work as intended, but Atlanta is not complaining. The Braves acquired Ender Inciarte and Dansby Swanson, adding them to a group of veterans and up-and-coming young players who helped make the Braves relevant again.Article continues below ...After finishing a combined 71 games below .500 in the previous three seasons, the Braves have a 3 1/2-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East entering the final game of a four-game series on Sunday in Arizona.Inciarte and Swanson — the principles sent from Arizona to Atlanta for right-hander Shelby Miller in a deal that was widely panned at the time — have helped. Inciarte leads the Braves and is fifth in the NL with 25 stolen bases. Swanson has 55 RBIs for a team that is second in the NL in runs.Miller has missed most of the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surger... less

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have clinched their fourth straight postseason berth http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-ubaldo-jimenez-jersey , getting into the playoffs when Milwaukee beat St. Louis.The Cubs were still playing Pittsburgh at Wrigl... moreCHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have clinched their fourth straight postseason berth http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-ubaldo-jimenez-jersey , getting into the playoffs when Milwaukee beat St. Louis.The Cubs were still playing Pittsburgh at Wrigley Field on Wednesday when their trip to the playoffs was assured. The Brewers also locked up a playoff spot with their victory.Chicago (91-66) began the night with a half-game lead in the NL Central over the second-place Brewers, and the Cubs went into extra innings against Pittsburgh.When Milwaukee won and improved to 92-67, it ensured third-place St. Louis (87-72) could win a maximum 90 games. Because either the Cubs or Brewers will win the NL Central, only one can be a wild card.One of the two contending NL West teams http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-joey-rickard-jersey , the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado, will win that division. That means only one of those two could be a wild card.That adds up to a postseason trip to the Cubs, who won the 2016... less

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Cora brought a new voice and culture to the Boston Red Sox that helped propel them to their latest World Series title.The Red Sox rewarded him for bringing home a championship in his first year with the team by giving him a new contract... moreBOSTON (AP) — Alex Cora brought a new voice and culture to the Boston Red Sox that helped propel them to their latest World Series title.The Red Sox rewarded him for bringing home a championship in his first year with the team by giving him a new contract with an additional guaranteed year through the 2021 season.The deal containing the extension was announced Wednesday by Boston also includes a club option for 2022.In his rookie season as a major league manager Dave Parker Jersey , Cora guided the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and the team’s fourth championship in 15 seasons.He finished second in the AL Manager of the Year voting announced Tuesday.“We have consistently been impressed by Alex at every turn,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said in a statement. “His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with our players, and his incredible instincts and decisiveness led us to an historic championship season. We know we are in good hands and could not be more pleased to know he will be with us for th... less

CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Heaney began the season on the disabled list with an elbow injury. Now Jacoby Ellsbury Jersey , the 27-year-old left-hander is on the verge of finishing with a slew of career bests.Heaney tossed three-hit ball over seven innings and ... moreCHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Heaney began the season on the disabled list with an elbow injury. Now Jacoby Ellsbury Jersey , the 27-year-old left-hander is on the verge of finishing with a slew of career bests.Heaney tossed three-hit ball over seven innings and struck out a career-high 12, lifting the Los Angeles Angels over the Chicago White Sox 1-0 Sunday for a three-game sweep.Kole Calhoun drove in the only run with a seventh-inning single. Mike Trout went 2 for 4 and finished the series 8 for 11 with two homers and five RBIs for the Angels.Yoan Moncada had two hits for the White Sox, who have dropped five straight.Heaney (9-9) allowed just three singles and didn’t walk anyone. Ty Buttrey pitched the eighth, Blake Parker got two outs in the ninth and Jose Alvarez got the final out for his first save.Heaney is 2-1 with a 1.89 ERA and 23 strikeouts in his last three starts. He has set career highs in wins, starts (27), innings pitched (165) and strikeouts (161) this season.“That’s a terrific game from Andrew,” Angels ... less

Anyone who wants to manage the Los Angeles Angels better be good at standardized tests.The Angels are reportedly having managerial candidates take a two-hour written test as part of their interview process http://www.bravesfanproshop.com/authentic-sean-ne... moreAnyone who wants to manage the Los Angeles Angels better be good at standardized tests.The Angels are reportedly having managerial candidates take a two-hour written test as part of their interview process http://www.bravesfanproshop.com/authentic-sean-newcomb-jersey , per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.It's unclear what the test entails鈥攖he questions span"analytical, interpersonal and game-management aspects of the job," according to Morosi鈥攂ut it's evidence of how seriously the Angels are taking their managerial opening.Following the 2018 season, Mike Scioscia stepped down after 19 seasons as the Angels' manager. He went 1,650-1,428 during his tenure, winning one World Series championship. The franchise missed the playoffs in eight of his final nine seasons.There are currently six managerial openings across MLB, but the Angels' is among the most desirable because of the opportunity to manage Mike Trout. The best player in baseball has only made one postseason appearance and is assuredly hungry for more.Tr... less

BOSTON (AP) — Fenway Park gave the Los Angeles Dodgers the cold shoulder.No wonder they were California Dreamin’ about Thursday’s flight home.“I think all the players are happy about going back to LA Mickey Mantle Jersey , but obviously we have some games... moreBOSTON (AP) — Fenway Park gave the Los Angeles Dodgers the cold shoulder.No wonder they were California Dreamin’ about Thursday’s flight home.“I think all the players are happy about going back to LA Mickey Mantle Jersey , but obviously we have some games to win,” pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu said through a translator after Wednesday night’s 4-2 loss to Boston dropped the Dodgers into a 2-0 World Series hole. “I think all the other players will be able to focus more and try to come back from this deficit.”Fenway Park, at 106 the oldest big league ballpark, is crammed onto 9 acres in downtown Boston, the 37-foot-high Green Monster in left field a target for hitters and a terror for pitchers.Dodger Stadium, a modern ballpark when opened in 1962 but now the third-oldest, sits atop 300 acres of land in Chavez Ravine near downtown Los Angeles, surrounded by tiered parking lots with palm trees beyond the fences and the San Gabriel Mountains shimmering in the distance.While Fenway is urban tumult, Dodger Stadium symbolizes the... less

GLENDALE Anders Lee Jersey , Ariz. (AP) — Brandon Pirri has had a late December to remember for the Vegas Golden Knights.The journeyman forward had a goal and assist in the Golden Knights’ 5-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday night, and has five goa... moreGLENDALE Anders Lee Jersey , Ariz. (AP) — Brandon Pirri has had a late December to remember for the Vegas Golden Knights.The journeyman forward had a goal and assist in the Golden Knights’ 5-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday night, and has five goals as part of his seven points in the six games he’s played for Vegas this season.Pirri failed to register a point in only one of those games. He’s been a regular since Dec. 20.“It’s a lot of fun playing here because everyone’s contributing,” Pirri said. “Things are going good. I’ve always believed in myself and I’m getting the opportunity. When you get the opportunity you have to reward the people that put you in this spot and at the same time I have to reward myself. I put in a lot of work.”Paul Stastny also had a goal and an assist and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 29 shots for Vegas. Reilly Smith, Cody Eakin and Ryan Carpenter also scored to help Vegas win its third straight and extend its points streak to six games.The Golden Knights have won five of six games ... less

CHICAGO (AP) Jean-Francois Berube had a good time in his return to the NHL – at the San Jose Sharks expense.Berube made 42 saves in his first start for Chicago and the Blackhawks beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Friday night.”It was fun Adidas Martin Hanza... moreCHICAGO (AP) Jean-Francois Berube had a good time in his return to the NHL – at the San Jose Sharks expense.Berube made 42 saves in his first start for Chicago and the Blackhawks beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 on Friday night.”It was fun Adidas Martin Hanzal Jersey ,” Berube said. ”I’m just going out there and enjoying the moment.”The 26-year-old Berube, recalled from Rockford of the AHL last week, appeared in one previous game for Chicago this season in relief of Anton Forsberg on Dec. 6. He hadn’t started in the NHL since Feb. 19, 2017, as a member of the New York Islanders.”It’s been a while,” Berube said. ”I felt comfortable from the moment the puck was dropped. Just have to build on it, keep working on little details and try to improve my game as much as possible.”Nick Schmaltz had a goal and assist on his 22nd birthday. Defenseman Jan Rutta, activated from injured reserve Friday also scored, and Artem Anisimov added an empty-netter with 30.5 seconds left.Anthony Duclair had two assists for the Blackhawks. Th... less

When the Anaheim Ducks face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday at Honda Center Authentic Stephen Johns Jersey , it might seem like nothing has changed since the last time they met five weeks ago.The Ducks (19-15-6) are trying to work their way out of a fiv... moreWhen the Anaheim Ducks face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday at Honda Center Authentic Stephen Johns Jersey , it might seem like nothing has changed since the last time they met five weeks ago.The Ducks (19-15-6) are trying to work their way out of a five-game losing streak, while the Lightning continue to wear out opposing nets and stack up victories with their high-scoring offense.The Lightning (30-7-2) have won 13 of their past 14 games (13-0-1). The last time they didn’t earn at least a point was a 3-1 loss against the visiting Ducks on Nov. 27. That was also the last time Tampa Bay has been held to fewer than three goals.Article continues below ...The Lightning had combined for 16 goals during a three-game winning streak when Anaheim arrived earlier this season. The Ducks were two days removed from a 5-2 loss at the Nashville Predators, dropping them to 5-9-4 over a five-week stretch with two goals or fewer in 13 of those games.But the Ducks scored two goals within the same minute early in the third period... less

BOSTON (AP) The Boston Bruins didn’t need overtime this time Arizona Coyotes T-Shirts Authentic , and they didn’t even need all four third-period goals to send the Toronto Maple Leafs home for the summer again.Five years after an unprecedented rally from ... moreBOSTON (AP) The Boston Bruins didn’t need overtime this time Arizona Coyotes T-Shirts Authentic , and they didn’t even need all four third-period goals to send the Toronto Maple Leafs home for the summer again.Five years after an unprecedented rally from a three-goal, third-period deficit to eliminate Toronto in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series, the Bruins scored four straight goals to beat the Maple Leafs 7-4 and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.Rookie Jake DeBrusk scored twice, including the go-ahead goal with 14:35 to play . The Bruins will open the second round in Tampa Bay on Saturday against the Lightning, who finished off New Jersey in five games last Saturday.”They’ve had some time to rest, and if they had any injuries, probably get a little healthier,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. ”But, that’s the advantage of winning in five. … But we are battle tested now, and we’ve got to bring that mentality into the next round.”Despite the final score, the teams were tied or separated by o... less

SAN JOSE Adidas Leo Komarov Jersey , Calif. (AP) Marcus Sorensen and Joonas Donskoi delivered the fast start San Jose coach Peter DeBoer wanted and Martin Jones did the rest to help the Sharks tie their playoff series with Vegas at two games apiece.Sorens... moreSAN JOSE Adidas Leo Komarov Jersey , Calif. (AP) Marcus Sorensen and Joonas Donskoi delivered the fast start San Jose coach Peter DeBoer wanted and Martin Jones did the rest to help the Sharks tie their playoff series with Vegas at two games apiece.Sorensen and Donskoi scored in the first period and Jones made 34 saves for his sixth career postseason shutout as the Sharks bounced back from an overtime loss to beat the Golden Knights 4-0 in Game 4 on Wednesday night.”We’d been chasing the game the whole series,” DeBoer said. ”We talked about it, but it’s easier said than done. I think we’ve had chances in the last two games to get out in front, but (Marc-Andre) Fleury has I think been exceptional, especially early in games, in order to keep us off the board. It’s nice that we’ve stuck with it, and hopefully we see some cracks.”Tomas Hertl added his team-leading fifth goal of the playoffs and Joe Pavelski scored a power-play goal in the third to set up a best-of-three for a spot in the Western Conference Final.Gam... less

CALGARY http://www.goldenknightsshoponline.com/authentic-brad-hunt-jersey , Alberta (AP) — Known more for his toughness, Zac Rinaldo showed he can score, too.Rinaldo scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period to lead the Nashville Predators to a 5-3 ... moreCALGARY http://www.goldenknightsshoponline.com/authentic-brad-hunt-jersey , Alberta (AP) — Known more for his toughness, Zac Rinaldo showed he can score, too.Rinaldo scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period to lead the Nashville Predators to a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Friday night.After Noah Hanifin got caught pinching, Rinaldo broke out on a 2-on-1 with Ryan Hartman and hung onto the puck the whole way before beating Flames goalie Mike Smith on his blocker side with a perfect wrist shot into the top corner at 6:31 of the third to give Nashville a 4-3 lead.In career game No. 335 for the 28-year-old, it was only Rinaldo’s 15th goal.“That’s what I live for. That’s what I play for. I play for pride. I play for the team,” Rinaldo said.It was the fourth time Nashville took the lead in a back-and-forth game. This time, they held it.“The bench was pumped up,” Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. “Just a great, great play. We ended up catching numbers going the other way. He made the right decision, m... less

WASHINGTON — The Buffalo Sabres will try and do what the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes did not do this week when they play the Washington Capitals Saturday night at Capital One Arena.Stop Alex Ovechkin.Ovechkin tied his career-long point strea... moreWASHINGTON — The Buffalo Sabres will try and do what the Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes did not do this week when they play the Washington Capitals Saturday night at Capital One Arena.Stop Alex Ovechkin.Ovechkin tied his career-long point streak at 13 games Friday night with his second straight hat trick as Washington rallied for a 6-5 shootout win at the Carolina Hurricanes.Article continues below ...An Ovechkin one-timer from the left circle at 9:49 of the third period made it a 5-4 game for Washington before former Capital Justin Williams forced overtime.“Obviously I have pretty good chances Mikael Granlund Jersey ,” Ovechkin told the team website of his hat trick. “You can see on my goals my linemates do a pretty good job of giving me space and I just have to put it in.”It was Ovechkin’s 22nd NHL hat track and his point streak (16 goals, six assists) tied his longest in the NHL. Overall, he has 28 goals and 42 points in 31 games.“Any time he’s in the offensive zone he’s dangerous with the puck,” t... less

ST. PAUL Alex Ovechkin Jersey Kids , Minn. (AP) — In their first year under new coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Carolina Hurricanes are using their youth and speed to wear out opponents.They started by outshooting Minnesota 20-5 in the first period Saturday. A... moreST. PAUL Alex Ovechkin Jersey Kids , Minn. (AP) — In their first year under new coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Carolina Hurricanes are using their youth and speed to wear out opponents.They started by outshooting Minnesota 20-5 in the first period Saturday. After a back-and-forth third period, Carolina showed off its stamina, too.Sebastian Aho scored his second goal of the game in overtime to lift Carolina over the Wild 5-4 on Saturday night.“The message has been pretty clear from Day 1, and I think they’ve been doing what we’ve asked, or they’re trying to, and I think they see that it’s a fun way to play,” Brind’Amour said. “But it’s also a way that can have outcomes like tonight where we can come back.”Justin Williams tied the game for Carolina with 1:09 left in the third period, and the Hurricanes matched the best five-game start in franchise history by tying the 4-0-1 Hartford Whalers in 1995-96.Aho added an assist while running his point streak to five games. Jordan Staal and Brett Pesce also scored for the Hur... less

BUFFALO Youth John Tavares Jersey , N.Y. (AP) Benoit Pouliot and Kyle Okposo scored on consecutive shots in the first period and the Buffalo Sabres beat retooled Boston 4-1 on Sunday in forward Rick Nash’s Bruins debut.Evan Rodrigues and Marco Scandella a... moreBUFFALO Youth John Tavares Jersey , N.Y. (AP) Benoit Pouliot and Kyle Okposo scored on consecutive shots in the first period and the Buffalo Sabres beat retooled Boston 4-1 on Sunday in forward Rick Nash’s Bruins debut.Evan Rodrigues and Marco Scandella also scored, and Chad Johnson stopped 34 shots. The Sabres snapped an 0-5-2 home skid against the Bruins.Charlie McAvoy scored for the Bruins, who were coming off a 4-3 loss at Toronto on Saturday night. Boston had gone 22-4-3 since last losing consecutive games Dec. 14-16. Anton Khudobin was not sharp in goal, allowing four goals on 24 shots, including being beaten through the legs on Scandella’s goal from the right boards that put Buffalo up 4-1 in the opening minutes of the third period.Nash’s addition failed to provide Boston a lift against the Eastern Conference’s last-place team. The Bruins squandered an opportunity to jump into second place in the Atlantic Division standings, a point ahead of the idle Maple Leafs.The Bruins acquired the 33-year-old Nash in... less

EDMONTON Authentic Derwin James Jersey , Alberta (AP) — A long look at a close call helped the St. Louis Blues take two points Tuesday night and left the Edmonton Oilers scratching their heads.Pat Maroon was credited with the tiebreaking goal following a ... moreEDMONTON Authentic Derwin James Jersey , Alberta (AP) — A long look at a close call helped the St. Louis Blues take two points Tuesday night and left the Edmonton Oilers scratching their heads.Pat Maroon was credited with the tiebreaking goal following a replay review early in the third period, and St. Louis went on to a 4-1 victory over Edmonton.David Perron, Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz also scored for the Blues, who have won three of four. Brayden Schenn had three assists.“It was a real solid team effort,” interim coach Craig Berube said. “Man to man, everybody was dialed in and played a real solid team game for 60 minutes. Special teams were big, we scored a big power-play goal, the penalty kill was excellent.”Jesse Puljujarvi scored for the Oilers, who had won six straight home games.Maroon’s second goal of the season came 2:19 into the final period. Officials determined the puck crossed the line during a goal-mouth scramble, even though initially no goal was called on the ice.“The way it was expla... less

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers turned to an outsider to try and win their first Stanley Cup in nearly 45 years.The Flyers hired Chuck Fletcher as their general manager on Monday in hopes that he can resuscitate a playoff team from a year ago ... morePHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers turned to an outsider to try and win their first Stanley Cup in nearly 45 years.The Flyers hired Chuck Fletcher as their general manager on Monday in hopes that he can resuscitate a playoff team from a year ago that has become one of the worst teams in the NHL. He’s the eighth GM in team history — and the first with no ties to the Flyers since Russ Farwell had the job from 1990 to 1994.“Our goal is to make the playoffs this year Jake Allen Jersey , it’s that simple,” Fletcher said. “We have work to do and it will be a challenge. But there’s no reason why we can’t get better and we can’t push to make the playoffs and find a way to get in.”Fletcher, who replaces the fired Ron Hextall, had been working as a senior adviser to the New Jersey Devils after spending the last nine seasons as GM of the Minnesota Wild. The Wild had only two playoff series victories under Fletcher, a 25-year veteran of NHL management, and did not renew his contract in April. They went 15-29 in the... less

NEW YORK (AP) T.J. Oshie scored twice Authentic Jonathan Toews Jersey , Dmitry Orlov and Nicklas Backstrom each had a goal and two assists, and the first-place Washington Capitals beat the struggling New York Islanders 7-3 Thursday night.Andrei Burakovsky... moreNEW YORK (AP) T.J. Oshie scored twice Authentic Jonathan Toews Jersey , Dmitry Orlov and Nicklas Backstrom each had a goal and two assists, and the first-place Washington Capitals beat the struggling New York Islanders 7-3 Thursday night.Andrei Burakovsky added a goal and an assist, and Lars Eller and John Carlson also scored to help Washington improve to 10-4-3 in its last 17 games against the Islanders. Evgeny Kuznetsov had three assists and Philipp Grubauer finished with 35 saves for his 11th win of the season.Brock Nelson, Andrew Ladd and Ryan Pulock scored for the Islanders, who lost for the ninth time in 10 games (1-5-4). Christopher Gibson started and gave up five goals on 12 shots before he was pulled midway through the second period. Jaroslav Halak came on and finished with eight saves.The Islanders have allowed a league-high 252 goals and are 15-23-8 since finishing November at 15-7-2.PENGUINS 5, CANADIENS 3MONTREAL (AP) – Patric Hornqvist’s second goal of the game gave Pittsburgh the lead in the third... less

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even when the Cardinals run into each other Jurickson Profar Jersey , they can’t lose.Yadier Molina and Marcell Ozuna slugged two-run homers and St. Louis overcame a lack of communication in the outfield to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2 on Tuesday night.The Cardinals improved to a major league-best 16-4 in August and moved atop the NL wild-card standings by a half-game over Milwaukee.They also climbed to 2 ½ games back of the NL Central-leading Cubs.“We’re cooking on all cylinders right now,” winning pitcher Luke Weaver (7-11) said. “We feel very confident about where we’re at. We’re kind of riding the wave right now and just bouncing off each other, keeping that positivity going.”The Cardinals have homered in 14 straight games. They won the opener 5-3 on consecutive ninth-inning homers by Jedd Gyorko and Matt Carpenter. This victory clinched their eighth consecutive series, equaling their longest streak since April 10-May 7, 2015.Jose Martinez tied it with an RBI single in the third. Molina followed with a two-run shot to right center to make it 3-1, snapping an 0-for-17 skid and leaving him one hit shy of his 11th straight season with 100 or more.With two outs in the seventh, Daniel Hudson hit Tyler O’Neill, setting the stage for Ozuna’s two-run homer that extended the Cardinals’ lead to 5-1.The Dodgers’ runs came in the second when Daniel Poncedeleon hit Yasiel Puig with the bases loaded and in the seventh on Manny Machado’s 29th homer.The Dodgers have stranded 25 runners in the first two games of the series.“We should definitely be playing better baseball,” Machado said. “Eventually things will turn around. Once we turn that corner, I don’t think anyone is going to hold us back.”For now, though http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-delino-deshields-jersey , the Dodgers dropped 3 1/2 games behind the NL West-leading Diamondbacks, the farthest Los Angeles has been out of first place since July 1. The Dodgers fell to 32-32 at home.“I’m as frustrated as the guys in there are,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It doesn’t feel good right now.”In his second major league start, Poncedeleon allowed one run and five hits in four innings. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one pitching not far from his hometown of Anaheim. Cardinals reliever Carlos Martinez got hit in the chest by a comebacker from Joc Pederson in the eighth. Martinez was knocked down and writhed on the ground as his teammates and a trainer ran to him. He soon got up and walked off under his own power as the inning ended.Martinez later said he had trouble breathing.“He was alert, aware,” Shildt said. “It was more of his sternum area which made it super scary.”Defensively, the Cardinals had a series of outfield miscues, all of them involving right fielder O’Neill.He collided with second baseman Kolten Wong as they chased Yasmani Grandal’s single in the second. On the next play, O’Neill dived and badly missed a single by Chris Taylor that loaded the bases for the Dodgers.“It’s a loud stadium but the reality is we need to be able to communicate better and not have issues where we’re running into each other,” Shildt said.Also in the second, center fielder Harrison Bader clearly called for a high fly ball hit by Pederson Joey Gallo Jersey , but O’Neill came charging in with his glove in the air. Bader still managed to make the catch.In the fifth, Bader caught Justin Turner’s long fly to right center but came dangerously close to colliding with O’Neill, who had his hands on his hips looking at Bader.“They’re hungry and aggressive going after the ball. Definitely want that,” Shildt said. “They’ll iron it out.”Weaver allowed one run and three hits in 2 1/3 innings of relief.Bud Norris pitched the ninth for his 26th save.Hyun-Jin Ryu (3-1) gave up three runs and four hits in four innings, struck out four and walked one.TRAINER’S ROOMCardinals: Activated RHP Carlos Martinez (right shoulder strain) from DL and optioned INF Patrick Wisdom to Triple-A Memphis. … Transferred OF Dexter Fowler to 60-day DL.Dodgers: RHP JT Chargois went on the DL with nerve irritation. He experienced tingling in his fingers while tossing six pitches in the fifth inning a night earlier. … RHP Ross Stripling will throw a simulated game Friday.KOLTEN LOOKS GOLDEN Wong made a stellar play for the first out of the ninth inning. The second baseman laid out in shallow center field for Turner’s grounder, then pushed his upper body off the ground just long enough to wing the ball to first base before falling back to the outfield grass.“That’s Gold Glove-caliber,” Shildt said.END OF STREAKTurner was hitless in five at-bats, ending his major league-leading 14-game hitting streak. During the run, he hit .464 with eight RBIs and three homers.UP NEXTLHP Jack Flaherty (7-6, 3.05 ERA) starts the series finale for the Cardinals. Rookie RHP Walker Buehler (6-4, 3.19) goes for the Dodgers.____ MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have hired Bill Evers for the final opening on their coaching staff under new manager Rocco Baldelli.The Twins announced Wednesday the addition of Evers http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-nomar-mazara-jersey , who has spent more than 30 years as a coach, scout and instructor. He has been the minor league field coordinator for Tampa Bay since 2010. He spent two seasons as a bench coach for the Rays in 2006-07. Evers has also managed more than 2,500 games in the minor leagues. With the Twins, he will work with the catchers and assist Baldelli in other capacities. He replaces Jeff Pickler on the major league staff.The Twins changed five of the eight spots on the staff after firing manager Paul Molitor.Bench coach Derek Shelton, hitting coach James Rowson and assistant hitting coach Rudy Hernandez are the holdovers. Wes Johnson has replaced Garvin Alston as pitching coach, Tony Diaz has replaced Gene Glynn as third base coach, Tommy Watkins has replaced Jeff Smith as first base coach and assistant pitching coach Jeremy Hefner has replaced bullpen coach Eddie Guardado.

PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Angels got it exactly right when they selected Patrick Corbin in the second round of the 2009 draft.Corbin has become a two-time All-Star Clint Frazier Jersey , one on either side of a Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2014 season, and he has positioned himself to be one of the plums in the offseason free agent market.Finally, the Angels will get to see him for the first time in a major league setting.Article continues below ...Corbin (10-4) was traded to Arizona at the July 2010 deadline, and he will make his initial appearance against the Angels in the first game of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday at Chase Field. Right-hander Felix Pena (1-3) is to start for the Angels.Corbin was acquired by Arizona then-interim general manager Jerry Dipoto in package that included left-handers Joe Saunders and Tyler Skaggs in exchange for Dan Haren.Skaggs is back in the Angels’ rotation, Haren is back with the Diamondbacks as their pitching strategist, and Corbin is the one who got away.He is among the NL leaders in victories, strikeouts and WHIP among other categories, and he will bring a streak of 10 consecutive starts without allowing a home run into the start. He has given up 11 homers in 155 2/3 innings.The Diamondbacks bring a one-half game lead in the NL West race after taking three of four from San Diego last weekend. They were 5-4 on a road trip to three fifth-place teams, including Cincinnati and Texas.Paul Goldschmidt set a franchise record by reaching base in 10 consecutive plate appearances in San Diego He was 18-for-36 with four homers and 10 RBIs on the trip, and he enters with a 12-game hitting streak.“We know what the stakes are, we know exactly what’s going on in the standings,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said after late homers by Daniel Descalso and A.J. Pollock lifted them to a 4-3 victory on Sunday.“These are the types of games you have to find a way to win. To get a solo homer in the eighth and a solo homer in the ninth to win it … it was an exceptional win. “The Angels also had fun in San Diego, sweeping a three-game series early last week, but that was tempered when they lost three of four in soggy Texas last weekend. They have won eight of 13.The Angels have done all of that without All-star center fielder Mike Trout, who has been on the disabled list with a right wrist injury retroactive to Aug. 6. He has been away from the team after the passing of his brother-in-law, Aaron Cox, last week.Starters Kole Calhoun, David Fletcher, Shohei Ohtani http://www.athleticsfanproshop.com/authentic-mark-mcgwire-jersey , Albert Pujols and Justin Upton were 23-for-67 with three homers and 10 RBIs in Texas, but the Angels were outscored 25-23 in the series.“We have been scoring some runs,” Angels manager Mike Sciascia told reporters. “I thought we had good at-bats in this series, we just, on the mound we had some leads and didn’t hold them very well.”They seemingly will need to be just as efficient against Corbin.Corbin has won four straight decisions and has only one loss in his last 10 starts while becoming the third double-digit winner for the Diamondbacks, the only team in the NL with three. The back-to-back Zacks — Godley (13-6) and Greinke (12-8) — are the others. Godley precedes Greinke in the rotation.Third in the NL with 190 strikeouts, Corbin has 41 strikeouts and three walks in his last five starts. His slider has been a dominant out pitch, and he is throwing it a career-high 40 percent of the time, according to Fangraphs.“He has a really innate quality to locate balls at the bottom of the zone,” Lovullo said after Corbin’s last start, a 6-4 victory at Texas on Tuesday.“You come to this ballpark, you wonder often what are going to be the conditions, and the ball does fly out of here. … Patrick did a great job, exceptional job of keeping the ball down (and) out of trouble.”Right-hander Miguel Batista set the franchise record of 11 straight starts without giving up a homer in 2003. Corbin is tied with Boston left-hander Chris Sale, recently returned to the disabled list, for the longest streak without giving up a homer from a starter this season.Pena, who has a 4.35 ERA, joined the rotation for good when he made his third start of the sesaon against Arizona on June 19. He did not get a decision in the Angels’ 5-4 victory while giving up only two hits and one run in four innings.Pena is coming off his best outing of the season, a 3-2 victory at San Diego in which he gave up six hits and one unearned run while striking out seven. He is 1-1 with a 1.31 ERA in his four road starts this season. NEW YORK (AP) — Mookie Betts and the Boston Red Sox won their third consecutive AL East championship Thursday night Stephen Piscotty Jersey , clinching on enemy turf with an 11-6 victory over the rival New York Yankees.Betts homered, doubled twice and drove in five runs, finishing with four hits as the Red Sox overcame Giancarlo Stanton’s go-ahead grand slam in the fourth inning. Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a tying home run in the seventh and Xander Bogaerts put Boston ahead with a sacrifice fly.With the best record in baseball and a playoff berth already secured, Boston (104-49) closed out a once-tight division race with nine games to spare. J.D. Martinez and the Red Sox, alone in first place since July 2, will open the postseason at home on Oct. 5 against an opponent to be determined.Never before had Boston finished in first place three years in a row. The club needs one victory to match the franchise record held by the 1912 World Series champions.It took three tries, but these Red Sox finally earned their chance to celebrate at Yankee Stadium under rookie manager Alex Cora.After starter Eduardo Rodriguez walked a career-high seven in 3 2/3 innings, knuckleballer Steven Wright (3-1) worked three shutout innings for the win.Brock Holt also homered for the Red Sox, and Martinez increased his major league-leading RBI total to 124 in a game that took 4 hours, 2 minutes.Luke Voit hit a two-run homer for New York. Chad Green (8-3) was the loser.ATHLETICS 21, ANGELS 3OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Marcus Semien had three hits and a career-high five RBIs, Stephen Piscotty homered and drove in four runs and Oakland hammered Los Angeles.The Athletics reduced their magic number for clinching a playoff berth to five. Since June 15, Oakland is a major league-best 58-25.Going into Thursday, Oakland trailed Houston by four games in the AL West, led Tampa Bay by 5 1/2 games for the second wild card, and was 2 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees for the first wild card.Catcher Francisco Arcia pitched the last two innings for the Angels, and also homered in the ninth.Piscotty was 2 for 3 with a three-run homer. He’s 4 for 6 with two home runs and nine RBI in his last two games. Matt Chapman was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI. He leads the majors with 24 doubles since the All-Star break and has 41 on the year.Mike Trout hit his 36th home run for the Angels.Edwin Jackson (6-3) struck out seven and gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings of three-hit ball. Matt Shoemaker (2-2) was the loser.BRAVES 8, PHILLIES 3ATLANTA (AP) — Luca Duda’s pinch-hit double drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh http://www.athleticsfanproshop.com/authentic-andrew-triggs-jersey , and Atlantatook an important step toward winning the NL East by beating Philadelphia.Atlanta leads the second-place Phillies by 6 1/2 games following the opening game of the four-game series. The teams close the season with three games at Philadelphia, but the Phillies need to win at least three of four in Atlanta to retain hope of making the final series meaningful. The Braves have a magic number of four over Philadelphia to clinch their first division title since 2013.Freddie Freeman had two hits and scored two runs. He has eight hits in his last three games.Tommy Hunter (4-4), the Phillies’ fifth pitcher, gave up a leadoff double to Dansby Swanson in the seventh. The left-handed hitting Duda pulled the run-scoring double into the right-field corner, giving Atlanta the 4-3 lead. Jesse Biddle (6-1), the Phillies’ 2010 first-round pick, gave up one hit while recording two outs in the seventh.BLUE JAYS 9, RAYS 8TORONTO (AP) — Justin Smoak homered with two outs in the ninth inning to lift Toronto past Tampa Bay, dealing a blow to the Rays‘ wild-card playoff hopes.Smoak hit his 25th homer of the season and third career walk-off blast. Sergio Romo (3-4) blew his eighth save in 30 opportunities. David Paulino (1-0) pitched an inning for the victory as Toronto won for the fourth time in its past five.Trailing 8-2 to begin the ninth, the Blue Jays roared back to snap Tampa Bay’s five-game winning streak. Tellez hit an RBI double and Danny Jansen chased Jamie Schultz with a three-run homer. Romo came on and struck out Richard Urena, but pinch hitter Kendrys Morales singled and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tied it with a two-run homer to left. Smoak followed with a first pitch drive to right.Jonny Chirinos (5-5) was the loser.WHITE SOX 5, INDIANS 4, 11 INNINGSCLEVELAND (AP) — Matt Davidson hit a run-scoring single with two out in the 11th inning to lift Chicago past Cleveland for the White Sox’s first victory at Progressive Field this season.The White Sox were outscored 58-19 in dropping their first eight games in Cleveland, including a 4-1 loss Wednesday when Jason Kipnis hit a grand slam in the ninth.Yolmer Sanchez doubled off Adam Cimber (0-3) to start the 11th and moved to third on a groundout. After Avisail Garcia was intentionally walked, Ryan Cordell struck out before Davidson singled to right.Hector Santiago (6-3) pitched three scoreless innings. Eric Haase was hit by a pitch to start the 11th, but Santiago retired Fransico Lindor on a fly ball, struck out Michael Brantley and got Jose Ramirez on a groundout to end the game.TIGERS 11, ROYALS 8DETROIT (AP) — Christin Stewart hit his first two big league homers and drove in six runs, leading Detroit past Kansas City.Stewart Jake Smolinski Jersey , a September call-up playing in his 11th game, became the first Tigers rookie to drive in six runs in a game since Ryan Raburn had seven against the White Sox on July 25, 2007.Six Tigers had at least two hits and Detroit snapped a seven-game home losing streak. Kansas City has lost five in a row. Zac Reininger (1-0), the second of seven Detroit pitchers, picked up his first major league victory. Nicholas Castellanos also homered for Detroit.Jorge Bonifacio, Hunter Dozier and Adalberto Mondesi homered for Kansas City. Jorge Lopez (2-5) gave up seven runs without getting an out in the second.METS 5, NATIONALS 4, 12 INNINGSWASHINGTON (AP) — Jose Lobaton hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly against his former team in the 12th inning and New Yorks beat Washington.Lobaton, who spent the previous four years in Washington before signing with the Mets in December, lofted a one-out fly ball off Jefry Rodriguez (3-3) with the bases loaded to score Amed Rosario.Jacob Rhame (1-2) worked two scoreless innings, and Paul Sewald pitched the 12th for his second save.Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was ejected in the 12th for arguing home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn’s called third strike.Washington starter Max Scherzer pitched seven innings, allowing three runs while striking out 13. He has 290 strikeouts this year, the most for a National since the franchise relocated from Montreal before the 2005 season. Scherzer set the previous mark of 284 in 2016.REDS 4, MARLINS 2MIAMI (AP) — Cody Reed won for the first time as a starter in the majors, and Scooter Gennett homered and doubled to lead Cincinnati past Miami.Reed (1-2) allowed five hits and struck out six in six shutout innings. The left-hander joined the starting rotation Aug. 30 and has thrown 11 consecutive scoreless innings.Gennett’s two-run home run in the seventh gave Cincinnati a 4-0 lead.Jeff Brigham (0-3) was the loser.

PHOENIX — After signing Zack Greinke in late 2015 Justin Verlander Jersey , the Arizona Diamondbacks made a trade designed to turn them into an instant contender. It did not work as intended, but Atlanta is not complaining. The Braves acquired Ender Inciarte and Dansby Swanson, adding them to a group of veterans and up-and-coming young players who helped make the Braves relevant again.Article continues below ...After finishing a combined 71 games below .500 in the previous three seasons, the Braves have a 3 1/2-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East entering the final game of a four-game series on Sunday in Arizona.Inciarte and Swanson — the principles sent from Arizona to Atlanta for right-hander Shelby Miller in a deal that was widely panned at the time — have helped. Inciarte leads the Braves and is fifth in the NL with 25 stolen bases. Swanson has 55 RBIs for a team that is second in the NL in runs.Miller has missed most of the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery.Swanson threw out the potential tying run at the plate in the Braves’ 5-4, 10-inning victory on Saturday. “Everybody knows the last couple of years have not been the best around here, but to be in this situation now is great,” first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “I’ve been through it all, so this is great when you start winning again. It is kind of like when I just got called up. We were winning all the time. We have the right group of people in this clubhouse to hopefully carry us into the postseason.”Another former Diamondbacks prospect Houston Astros Jersey , right-hander Touki Toussaint (1-1), is scheduled to make his third career start Sunday opposite Arizona left-hander Robbie Ray (5-2) as the teams shoot for a series split.Toussaint, like Swanson a Diamondbacks first-round draft pick, was traded to Atlanta in mid-2015 along with veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo and his $9.5 million contract when management ordered a payroll cut.“It feels great to be a part of this,” Enciarte said. “The goal is to play meaningful games in September. You see new guys, but you see everybody developing quick. It wasn’t bad years at all.“I know the Diamondbacks are in a great position. We are in a good position, too. Both teams are winning, and I know we are happy with what we have. We don’t look back on what happened because we believe everything happens for a reason. We’re here where we want to be http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-gerrit-cole-jersey , and we want to be a part of this for a long time.”The Diamondbacks begin a seven-game road trip with the opener of a four-game series in Colorado on Monday, part of a schedule that could include a major league-record 17 straight games against division leaders. They play Colorado twice, Houston and the Chicago Cubs in the next two weeks.“September baseball, when you are in a pennant race is pressure enough,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said.“So I don’t want any situation to override how they perform. How do I do that? Different ways with different guys. Distract them. Make them smile. Make them laugh. Make them remember how good they are and how fun the game is when you are doing your job.”Atlanta has seven games remaining against Philadelphia and three against St. Louis.Ray, who has a 4.25 ERA in 19 starts, gets the start after his most effective outing of the season, a 6-0 victory in which he struck out 10 and gave up two singles in 6 1/3 scoreless innings.“My last two starts are about as mechanically sound as I’ve felt all year Hector Rondon Jersey ,” Ray said. “It’s a combination of my direction to the plate and my tempo. Just getting the ball back, getting back on the mound and going. I think that’s the biggest thing, not too much time between pitches.” Ray, who missed two months because of an oblique injury, is 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA in his last three starts. He had a good feel for his curveball in the victory over the Padres.“I think I have thrown it more often lately because it is a pitch I feel I can also land (in the strike zone) but also bounce,” Ray said.Ray has lost both of his career starts against Atlanta with a 4.82 ERA.Toussaint beat Miami in his first major league start on Aug. 13 and lost his most recent, an 8-2 defeat to Boston last Sunday in which gave up three runs and struck out six in 4 2/3 innings. He threw four scoreless innings before the Red Sox knocked him out in the fifth.“I haven’t liked him, I’ve loved him Anthony Gose Jersey ,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said.“He’s very impressive young man. Very impressive player. Carries himself very well. Love his assortment. His arsenal is very good. He’s a very athletic kid. He’s handled himself tremendous in the two starts he’s hard here.” Toussaint was 9-6 in 24 minor league starts this season, going 5-0 with a 1.43 ERA in eight starts with Triple-A Gwinnett.He has not appeared fazed by being thrust into a pennant race.“He faced the best team in baseball the other day and did a really good job,” Snitker said. “The maturity, the game awareness, how he’s handled himself. The whole thing has been very impressive.” TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays right fielder Randal Grichuk is being checked for a possible concussion after slamming face-first into a security guard’s chair while chasing a foul ball.Grichuk had a swollen mark across his face as he left Sunday’s game in Toronto against Cleveland. He was injured while catching Brandon Guyer’s fly in the fourth inning.As Grichuk sprinted toward the ball, a security staffer seated along the wall stood up and backed away from the area, carrying his stool and seemingly unaware the outfielder was closing in. Grichuk slid to make the catch, but crashed into the stool the staffer was holding by his side.Grichuk stayed down for several minutes and was treated on the field by Blue Jays trainers. When he stood up to walk off http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-jimmy-wynn-jersey , television images showed a long, swollen mark on his face, running across his nose and between his eyes.The Blue Jays said Grichuk was in routine concussion evaluation and would receive follow-up tests on his face.Grichuk left the game, with Teoscar Hernandez entering to play left field and Billy McKinney moving from left to right. The security staffer remained in place.Grichuk homered twice Saturday against the Indians.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have clinched their fourth straight postseason berth http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-ubaldo-jimenez-jersey , getting into the playoffs when Milwaukee beat St. Louis.The Cubs were still playing Pittsburgh at Wrigley Field on Wednesday when their trip to the playoffs was assured. The Brewers also locked up a playoff spot with their victory.Chicago (91-66) began the night with a half-game lead in the NL Central over the second-place Brewers, and the Cubs went into extra innings against Pittsburgh.When Milwaukee won and improved to 92-67, it ensured third-place St. Louis (87-72) could win a maximum 90 games. Because either the Cubs or Brewers will win the NL Central, only one can be a wild card.One of the two contending NL West teams http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-joey-rickard-jersey , the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado, will win that division. That means only one of those two could be a wild card.That adds up to a postseason trip to the Cubs, who won the 2016 World Series to end a 108-year title drought.Chicago hopes to win its third straight NL Central title and avoid Tuesday’s wild-card game. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a four-year contract extension Monday that would keep him as manager through 2022.The 46-year-old skipper led the team to consecutive World Series appearances for the first time since 1977-78. The Dodgers lost in five games to Boston in October, and lost in seven games to Houston in 2017.In three seasons Pedro Alvarez Jersey , Roberts is 287-200 overall. The team has won three straight National League West titles under him and two straight NL pennants. Roberts was the 2016 NL manager of the year.“Keeping Doc as our leader on the field was a top priority this offseason and now that we’ve accomplished that we are excited to collectively shift all of our focus to doing all we can to bring a world championship to our passionate fans,” Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, said in a statement.The team had previously exercised Roberts’ option for 2019; the deal announced Monday gives him an additional three guaranteed years.Roberts is the first Los Angeles manager to lead the club to the postseason in each of his first three years.His low-key demeanor has played well in a clubhouse where some high-profile players have had to take lesser roles because of the overabundance of talent on the roster. Roberts has gotten them to buy into the big-picture goal of winning a World Series http://www.oriolesfanproshop.com/authentic-tim-beckham-jersey , something the team hasn’t done since 1988.Roberts drew the ire of Dodgers fans with some of his postseason decisions, especially in the World Series, but clearly ownership and the front office believe he is the person to lead the franchise.“When I was hired to lead this team three years ago, I said at the time that managing the Dodgers is truly the opportunity of a lifetime and I feel the exact same way today Anthony Santander Jersey ,” he said in a statement. “We’ve worked hard to develop a team and culture that will put us in position to win the World Series every season, but we still have yet to achieve our ultimate goal and that is what drives me each day.”The extension gives the Dodgers a continuity they haven’t had since Hall of Famer Tom Lasorda managed the team from 1976-96.

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Cora brought a new voice and culture to the Boston Red Sox that helped propel them to their latest World Series title.The Red Sox rewarded him for bringing home a championship in his first year with the team by giving him a new contract with an additional guaranteed year through the 2021 season.The deal containing the extension was announced Wednesday by Boston also includes a club option for 2022.In his rookie season as a major league manager Dave Parker Jersey , Cora guided the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 victories and the team’s fourth championship in 15 seasons.He finished second in the AL Manager of the Year voting announced Tuesday.“We have consistently been impressed by Alex at every turn,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said in a statement. “His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with our players, and his incredible instincts and decisiveness led us to an historic championship season. We know we are in good hands and could not be more pleased to know he will be with us for the foreseeable future.”Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was in search of new direction for the club when he fired former manager John Farrell after back-to-back Al Division Series losses in 2016 and 2017.After the historic regular season, Cora then steered Boston past the 100-win Yankees and Astros in the AL playoffs before downing the Dodgers in the World Series.“For me, 2018 was not only historic, but it was special as well, both on and off the field,” Cora said in a statement. “We have a great appreciation for our accomplishments this past year, but now our focus moves forward to the season ahead and defending our World Series title.”During Boston’s run Cora got the best out his young talent, led by AL MVP favorite Mookie Betts. They shined in player-centric approach in which Cora encouraged an aggressive hitting mentality, lots of hit-and-runs and active running of the bases.Cora also the most out of his pitching staff, which included clutch performances in the postseason by Chris Sale and David Price. Neither pitcher had logged a playoff victory as a starter prior to this season.Price had a tough time acclimating to Boston’s rugged sports environment during his first two seasons of the seven-year Josh Harrison Jersey , $217 million deal he signed in 2015.He’s found a groove late in the season, pitching the clinching Game 5 of the ALCS to help the Red Sox advance.“Just his demeanor. It doesn’t change,” Price said last month. “I know it’s easy to not change when your team wins 108 games in the regular season. But he hasn’t changed one bit.”A member of the Red Sox’s 2007 World Series title team as a player, Cora was the bench coach on Houston’s 2017 championship team. He learned from manager A.J. Hinch that being close to players would be beneficial.“Talking to players is not bad, having a relationship with players is not bad,” Cora said in describing his managerial philosophy. “Doing that, you’re going to get the best out of them. People may think that crossing that line is not helpful, but I see it the other way around, and I lived it.”Cora became the first manager from Puerto to guide a team to a championship. It came more than a year after Hurricane Maria devastated island, prompting Cora during initial contract negotiations last October to ask the Red Sox to help his people with relief efforts. Ownership responded by sending a chartered plane full of supplies.Days after winning the World Series, they again obliged Cora’s request to take the trophy to his hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico. Three straight losses to the Kansas City Royals has left a sour taste in the Minnesota Twins‘ mouths as they prepare to kick off their final road trip of the season, a 10-game http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-gregory-polanco-jersey , three-city jaunt that will include stops in Detroit and Oakland.Minnesota has been outscored 24-11 in the three games and its frustrations appeared to boil over Friday night in a 10-3 rout by the Royals at Kauffman Stadium when Twins manager Paul Molitor and third-base coach Gene Glynn were ejected by home plate umpire Ben May during the Royals’ four-run fourth-inning rally.The Twins, who fell to 4-10 in September, will try to avoid a sweep Sunday when they wrap up their season series with Kansas City behind right-hander Kyle Gibson.Article continues below ...Gibson held the New York Yankees to one run in 5 2/3 innings in his last outing, allowing just a home run to Gary Sanchez while striking out five. The Twins, though, managed just two runs in that game, leaving Gibson on the hook for a fourth consecutive loss and his sixth in his last eight starts.“Kyle fought; there’s no question about it,” Molitor said. “He had a few situations he had to pitch around, including some free passes, but he did well. I was proud of him for how he hung in there.”Sunday will mark Gibson’s 30th start of the season and his third against the Royals in 2018. He took the loss in their last meeting after allowing four runs and six hits and striking out five in 5 1/3 innings. Gibson is 6-5 with a 3.40 ERA in 18 career starts against Kansas City.The Royals have won five of their last six games and 14 of their last 20, They’ll be trying to close out their first four-game sweep since taking four straight from the Twins on Aug. 18-21, 2016.“We’re feeling like we’re a quality team right now that’s playing well,” said Royals left fielder Alex Gordon http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-jung-ho-kang-jersey , one of the few remaining veteran players on a team in the early phases of a full-scale rebuilding process. “Whether you’re young or old, we’re just playing together and having fun. That’s really all that matters. It doesn’t matter who does it, just as long someone gets it done.”Gordon had three hits, including two doubles Saturday night, and third baseman Alcides Escobar, another holdover from the Royals’ 2015 World Series run, drove in three while finishing with three hits.Escobar is batting .319 (29-for-91) with eight doubles and Gordon has 27 RBIs in his last 41 games.“I’m just trying to stay simple,” Gordon said. “I’ve been working with (hitting coach) Terry (Bradshaw) and (quality control coach) Pedro (Grifol) a lot this year and trying to use the opposite way. Obviously, teams are shifting me, so a lot of my hits are going to come the other way and that’s what I’ve been trying to do. Not hitting into the shift but hit it where they aren’t.”The Royals turn to right-hander Jakob Junis to start the finale. Junis turned in a gem in his last outing, allowing three runs in eight innings of a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.Junis has a 2.15 ERA in his last seven starts and hasn’t walked a batter in his last four.“He’s on a roll right now,” Kansas City manager Ned Yost said. “He’s making it easier on himself to go deep (into games).”Junis is 0-1 with a 3.43 ERA in four starts against the Twins.